Crew Review: Baratza Virtuoso Preciso Burr Grinder

Baratza's newest kid on the block is a variation of their popular Virtuoso grinder. The Preciso gives you greater grind precision as you can dial it in between the burr notches. Watch Gail take us through it's functionality. This grinder is available in the US in October 2010.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• baratza
• virtuoso preciso
• burr coffee grinder
• demonstration
• review
• how-to

[Gig103]

Now that the Virtuoso 586 has these burrs, do the micro adjustments make a big difference? Is this grinder much better than the Smart Grinder (if I could theoretically get them both for the same price)?

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@Gig103 If you're working with a higher end espresso machine, yes, those micro adjustments will make a difference. Check out our grinder comparison and shot comparisons of the Virtuoso & Smart Grinder to determine which is a better fit for you. - Kat

[elvisay2011]

Hi, thanks for your advice on Breville smart the other day. I am almost there about buying my first grinder (so excited). Any ideas about Eureka Mignon manual grinder? How does it compare with Preciso? Thx

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@elvisay2011 No, sorry - Kat

[dcholmes1969]

@SeattleCoffeeGear I just upgraded to this from my Maestro Plus. I will use it with my Gaggia Evolution. Miss Malaspino suggested a starting point of 10 on macro and all the way left on micro. Methinks she doth overestimate the Evolution. It did make a lovely little brick however. I am nevertheless grateful I have found you guys and I truly appreciate your willingness to put up with silly questions from a espresso newbie such as myself. I am now a loyal customer. Although I'm sure you have plen

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@dcholmes1969 Thanks for the feedback! I think that's going to be a nice pairing. In general, we recommend starting around 10 and going from there, and it's going to vary a lot by the kind of coffee you're using, too. We're always happy to answer any questions you might have, so feel free to shoot them our way!! :) - Kat

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@AGC828 Well, the burrs are going to be of a higher grade on the Virtuoso than the Maestro, but for your purposes the latter will work just fine. However, if you think you want to do espresso some time in the future...you might want to go with the Virtuoso instead of having to upgrade later. Really your call. - Kat

[AGC828]

@SeattleCoffeeGear HEH!! Ok thanks Kat. I am getting a TechniVorm KBT741. Was considering the Virtuoso Preciso because on your video you both thought you got better shots than the non-Preciso. But not sure if it wasn't the brew timing. Being that I'll primarily be drinking filtered drip...than I'm guessing any of the Maestro would do as well? Or is the Virtuoso still noticeably better?

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@AGC828 Ha - I know...when I was editing, I realized that but I figured people would figure it on out themselves ;) It definitely gives you some shot quality improvement over a traditional stepped grinder, so it's worth the extra $ in my opinion -- if you're doing espresso. If not -- drip or pour over or press -- maybe not so much of a benefit. - Kat

[AGC828]

They both can't multiply. LOL!! 40 x 10 is......not 440. I think the "videographer" was thinking of the correct increments of adjustments which is 11. In which case she WOULD be correct. Any how I might be picking up this grinder. Just wondering if the extra 11 increments of adjustment is wroth the extra $100...hmmm...